Two-time unified heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has expressed interest in visiting Dagestan but clarified that he does not want to stay for an extended period. Known for his current residence in Dubai, Joshua visited the Professional Fighters League (PFL) event on Saturday night at the Coca-Cola Arena, where he observed top-tier mixed martial arts competition firsthand. The event was headlined by PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, who successfully defended his title by submitting Alfie Davis in the third round.
Meeting with Nurmagomedov Team and Islam Makhachev
During the PFL event, Joshua went backstage to meet the Nurmagomedov camp, a team led by former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, alongside coach Javier Mendez. Usman Nurmagomedov’s corner also included his brother Umar and renowned UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Joshua spent time especially engaging with Makhachev, showing him something on his phone before the fight. Although the content of the phone was not disclosed, Makhachev encouraged Joshua to visit Dagestan.
Joshua joked in reference to a popular meme about spending two to three years in Dagestan to toughen up, indicating he preferred a much shorter trip.
“I might not be willing to visit for two or three years, but maybe for two to three weeks,”
he said, eliciting laughter from those present.
Interaction with PFL CEO John Martin and Other Figures
Aside from the Nurmagomedov team, Joshua also met with PFL CEO John Martin and PFL contender Dakota Ditcheva throughout the evening. Joshua and Martin exchanged greetings, with Joshua asking, “how’s business,” signaling a cordial relationship. John Martin, who became PFL’s CEO last year, has initiated significant organizational changes by discontinuing the world tournament format and allowing longtime executives Donn Davis and Peter Murray to depart from their roles.
Significance of the Potential Dagestan Visit
Anthony Joshua’s planned brief visit to Dagestan highlights his interest in exploring training opportunities outside the boxing world, particularly with Islam Makhachev, who is regarded as one of the planet’s best pound-for-pound fighters. This crossover interest could signal further collaboration or training exchanges between elite boxing and MMA athletes. Joshua’s engagement with the Nurmagomedov team and PFL officials also suggests growing connections across combat sports disciplines, potentially impacting his future training regimen and public profile.
